AFG vs PAK Match Preview
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurvaz are likely to open the batting for Afghanistan. Zadran is the leading run-scorer for the team this calendar year, while Gurbaz is known for his aggressive brand of batting. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will feature in the middle order alongside Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran.
Mohammad Nabi is expected to play well lower down the order and add important runs during the death overs. Afghanistan does have a pretty decent seam attack with Fazalhaq Farooqi likely to open the proceedings with the new ball. He will be supported by Abdul Rahman at the other end, while all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will feature as the 3rd seamer.
Rashid Khan can be effective on the turning pitches at Sri Lanka and will be a vital cog in the bowling attack. As for the fifth bowler, Afghanistan will have to choose from either Noor Ahmad or Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Pakistan boasts of an excellent batting line-up and has some of the best ODI batsmen including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Imam ul-Haq. Azam is the top-ranked ODI batsman, while Fakhar Zaman and Iman ul-Haq are ranked 3rd and 4th respectively.
The team does lack a bit when it comes to all-rounders as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are the only two quality options on offer. The unavailability of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafiz has left a dent in the middle order.
Coming to the bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi has shown excellent form in the ongoing Hundred League in England and will lead the pace attack in this series. He will be supported by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. The spin department does seem a bit understaffed as Usama Mir is the only full-time option available.
Weather Report
The skies are expected to remain clear with a warm and humid climate.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota is good to bat on and has seen an average first-inning score of around 250 runs. However, the team batting first will look to set a target of over 280 to give their bowlers some breathing space. The surface is expected to be dry and the seamers will have to be spot on with their line and length, or they will be taken for runs.
Notable stats
Fakhar Zaman: ODI Stalwart
Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan's most reliable batsman in recent times. In his last 10 matches, Zaman has scored 549 runs at an average of 61.00 and a strike rate of 88.40.
Team News
Both teams have fully fit squads to choose from.
AFG vs PAK Probable 11
AFG Playing 11
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Najibullah Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Abdul Rahman
PAK Playing 11
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wk)
- Babar Azam (C)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam Ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saud Shakeel
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing Pakistan to win this match. They have an excellent record against Afghanistan in ODIs and looking at the team’s performances in recent months, they should have no problem in maintaining the unbeaten run.
Top Picks
Babar Azam: Undoubtedly one of Pakistan’s most talented batsmen, Babar Azam has scored 573 runs in the last 10 matches at a strike rate of 82.44.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Shaheen Afridi has emerged as Pakistan’s most dependable seamer in recent years. He has an excellent record against Afghanistan and has picked up 6 wickets in 2 matches played against them.
Mohammad Nabi: Mohammad Nabi is a consistent all-rounder for Afghanistan over the years. He has scored 3046 runs in his ODI career and has also picked up 150 wickets.
AFG vs PAK Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: M Rizwan , R Gurbaz
Batters: B Azam (C), F Zaman, I Zadran
All-rounders: S Khan, M Nabi
Bowlers: Rashid-Khan (VC), S Afridi, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, N Shah
